In-home care: Independent Contractor vs Agency

July 12, 2017

If you’re considering hiring an in-home caregiver for your loved one, you will likely be faced with the decision of choosing between working with a home care agency or an independent contractor. There are a few major differences between working with these two entities, including both the ease of hiring and the cost of the care.

Choosing an in-home care provider for your loved one is an important decision, and you’ll want to be sure that you’ve weighed the pros and cons of both options before deciding. Before you choose whether to use an independent contractor or a home care agency, learn a little more about the differences between the two.

Independent Contractors

An independent contractor is a type of in-home caregiver who is hired individually by a family. To find an independent in-home caregiver, you’ll typically post an ad on Craigslist or a local job posting website. You’ll then have to interview the candidates and check their backgrounds.

Many people choose to work with independent contractors because they can be hired at a lower fee than some agencies, as you’ll essentially be acting as the contractor’s employer. By taking on the additional responsibilities associated with hiring and managing an independent contractor, you can accrue savings of up to 20 percent according to some estimates.

One downside to hiring an independent contractor,however, is that you will end up having to do some extra work not associated with hiring an agency. You and your family will be responsible for making all of the payments to the contractor, and you’ll have to personally manage the contractor. You’ll also be responsible for federal, state and employment taxes. Plus, you’ll assume full liability for the caregiver and the care recipient.

Home Care Agencies

There are a few major advantages to working with a home care agency. When you’re hiring a caregiver, the home care agency will make the process easy for you. The agency will screen caregivers and check each candidate’s background. They’ll then usually give you a few different caregiver options. You’ll be able to interview the caregivers with the agency before deciding who to hire to care for your loved one.

After you’ve hired your caregiver, the agency will continue to help you. They’ll assume full liability for all the care that’s provided. They’ll also be able to monitor and supervise the caregiver to ensure that they’re giving your loved one the best care possible.

If you have any problems with the caregiver, you’ll be able to discuss them with the agency. The agency will work with you and the caregiver to try and solve the issues you’re having. If the problems are unfixable, the agency will provide you with a replacement caregiver. An agency will usually cost you a little more than an independent contractor, but you’ll get a lot for your money.

Choosing the Right In-Home Care Provider for your Loved One

When you’re choosing an in-home care provider for your loved one, it’s important to spend time studying the options available to you. If you’re interested in learning more about the differentiation between independent contractors and home care agencies, download our comprehensive guide. Our guide will answer questions you may have about the differences between working with an agency and an independent contractor, and empower you to make an informed decision for your loved one.